On April 4, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with North American Palladium (NAP) in relation to the Lac des Iles Mine Project in Thunder Bay.

The MOU sets out the principles that will guide MNO representatives and NAP in developing a relationship that includes meeting regularly and mitigating any impacts from the future development of the mine site or exploration area on Métis rights and interests in the territory.

The MOU provides the Métis rights holding community with an opportunity to participate in the project through employment, training, business development and ongoing consultations involving the mining project.

NAP has operated the mine for the last 20 years with both an underground mine and an open pit mine. According to the company, it is the only pure play palladium producer in the world. The current workforce includes more than 570 employees and about one-third live in Thunder Bay.